Consider This When Buying Real Estate in Charleston’s Historic District

Ever feel nervous about buying a home or moving to a new location, and think “Is this the right move for me?

A quick city-guide or list of property details can give you some insight, but there are doubts. For those moving to Charleston’s Downtown Historic District, there’s a double whammy. First, you have to wonder if downtown Charleston is right for you. Then you have to answer if you should buy a historic real estate property.

Real estate is already filled with too many decisions. To narrow your choices and get you in the right mindset, let’s dive into the questions you should ask yourself before deciding on Charleston, SC.

  1. Should I buy a historic home in Charleston?

Charleston and the outlying suburbs offer plenty of choices for real estate. You can find ranch-style properties, modern living arrangements, houses on the beach, and homes situated within historic districts. All have different pros and cons.

Historic homes in Charleston are typically located on the peninsula, giving you quick access to many workplaces, restaurants, and other entertainment options. The main selling point to historic real estate is the character of the home. No property is the same and each has a layout that has been distinguished by its previous owners (some dating back to the early 1800’s).

Living in a historic home means you get to be a part of something unique. You get a glimpse into the past few are privy to. How cool is that?

Some things you may want to research before buying include:

  • What taxes will you pay? Are there any tax credits (or incentives) from state and local governments?
  • What restrictions are there for renovating historic homes?
  • What kind of costs will you face with maintaining a historic property?
  • Does the location create a setting you want to live in or be away from?

  1. Is downtown Charleston the right location for me?

Downtown Charleston is naturally alluring. You’re connected to almost everything -- entertainment, work, travel spots, and so on. Choosing Charleston means understanding what kind of vibe you want to live among.

Downtown is more energetic and lively than other suburbs like Mount Pleasant or James Island. Restaurants and events are just blocks away. Each weekend is its own adventure. You don’t have to worry about sitting through traffic, since you’re already in the heart of things.

The price for living in downtown Charleston means less space for your dollar. Properties, here, don’t have acre-sized backyards. You’re choosing to live in a traditional, Southern home where you’re close to your neighbor. Other things to consider include knowing your flood zone. Charleston is located in a flood zone and does, occasionally, experience inclement weather. This means paying more for home and flood insurance.

  1. Does the home (or location) have the right amenities?

Depending on your lifestyle, Charleston’s Downtown Historic District may or may not be the right place for you. If you’re someone who wants to be on the beach, surfing every day … downtown Charleston may not be the best option, since you can choose a home on Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, or Folly Beach.

But if you love being in the heart of activity and cherish opportunities to try new things, downtown is a great choice. Before selecting a property, perform a local Google Map search. See what parks, schools, and other venues are nearby. Example: if you’re a sailor, you’ll enjoy the marina just down the road.

Double check what effort it will take to live your lifestyle and see if it’ll be a happy (and easy) one.

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13 Photos 14 Lockwood Drive UNIT 2g Charleston, SC 29401

14 Lockwood Drive UNIT 2g
Charleston, SC 29401
Ashley House
Residential

MLS# 24012708 / Active
1 br, 1 ba, 705 Sqft

Enjoy this incredible location in downtown Charleston! Across from the City Safe Harbor Marina, Medical University of SC and close to the entire me... 

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$210,000
Provided courtesy of Carolina One Real Estate
51 Photos 169 King Street UNIT #102 Charleston, SC 29401

169 King Street UNIT #102
Charleston, SC 29401
Downtown
Residential

MLS# 24012605 / Active
2 br, 2 ba, 1653 Sqft

Step into history with this exquisite condo located in the heart of the Lower King Street antique district! Circa 1840's, 169 King St 102 is a char... 

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$2,495,000
Provided courtesy of Maison Real Estate
60 Photos 24 Barre Street Charleston, SC 29401

24 Barre Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential

MLS# 24012578 / Active
3 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 2576 Sqft

In the heart of Harleston Village, 24 Barre Street offers the perfect blend of Luxury, convenience, location, and privacy, within walking distance ... 

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$1,875,000
Provided courtesy of Maison Real Estate
33 Photos 150 Bee Street UNIT #708 Charleston, SC 29401

150 Bee Street UNIT #708
Charleston, SC 29401
Bee Street Lofts
Residential

MLS# 24012678 / Active
1 br, 1 ba, 1 Half Bath, 964 Sqft

Welcome to Bee Street Lofts! This sophisticated 1 bed/1.5 bath luxury condo brings big city urban style to downtown Charleston. Located on Bee St n... 

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$469,900
Provided courtesy of The Charleston Property Company
36 Photos 40 S Battery Street Charleston, SC 29401

40 S Battery Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential

MLS# 24012525 / Active
3 br, 3 ba, 1 Half Bath, 3063 Sqft

Introducing an unparalleled gem nestled in the esteemed ''South of Broad'' enclave, a historic residence exuding timeless elegance. Perfectly sited... 

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$2,795,000
Provided courtesy of Daniel Ravenel Sotheby's International Realty
34 Photos 14 Lockwood Drive UNIT 2d Charleston, SC 29401

14 Lockwood Drive UNIT 2d
Charleston, SC 29401
Ashley House
Residential

MLS# 24012528 / Active
2 br, 2 ba, 1053 Sqft

Welcome to this exquisite 2-bedroom, 2-full bathroom condo nestled in the established Ashley House. This home is ideally positioned within walking/... 

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$540,000
Provided courtesy of Charleston Flat Fee Real Estate
48 Photos 85 Cumberland Street UNIT P1 Charleston, SC 29401

85 Cumberland Street UNIT P1
Charleston, SC 29401
French Quarter
Residential

MLS# 24012494 / Active
1 br, 1 ba, 1 Half Bath, 862 Sqft

Lovely and practical dual-level penthouse with tons of natural light, outdoor space and historic Charleston charm. Everything you are looking for -... 

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$885,000
Provided courtesy of Flat Rate Real Estate
25 Photos 330 Concord Street UNIT Th16 Charleston, SC 29401

330 Concord Street UNIT Th16
Charleston, SC 29401
Dockside
Residential

MLS# 24012485 / Active
2 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1580 Sqft

This spacious townhome offers an abundance of natural light and wonderful potential. The main level features a dining area, comfortable family room... 

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$589,000
Provided courtesy of William Means Real Estate, LLC
51 Photos 150 Spring Street UNIT A Charleston, SC 29403

150 Spring Street UNIT A
Charleston, SC 29403
Cannonborough-Elliotborough
Residential

MLS# 24012397 / Active
7 br, 3 ba, 2655 Sqft

FULLY LICENSED STR UNIT with revenue! Traditional Charleston meets modern design is what you will find in this refined property by Cozy Development... 

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$1,899,000
Provided courtesy of The Boulevard Company, LLC
37 Photos 150 Spring Street UNIT B Charleston, SC 29403

150 Spring Street UNIT B
Charleston, SC 29403
Cannonborough-Elliotborough
Residential

MLS# 24012398 / Active
4 br, 4 ba, 1718 Sqft

FULLY LICENSED STR UNIT with revenue! Traditional Charleston meets modern design is what you will find in this refined property by Cozy Development... 

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$1,899,000
Provided courtesy of The Boulevard Company, LLC
22 Photos 33 Society Street UNIT A Charleston, SC 29401

33 Society Street UNIT A
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
Residential

MLS# 24012383 / Active
2 br, 2 ba, 1470 Sqft

Historic Ansonborough residence perfectly situated at the edge of one of the peninsula's most coveted boroughs! 33 Society exudes Charleston charm ... 

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$1,475,000
Provided courtesy of AgentOwned Realty Charleston Group
15 Photos 609 King Street UNIT #745 Charleston, SC 29403

609 King Street UNIT #745
Charleston, SC 29403
Cannonborough-Elliotborough
Residential

MLS# 24012372 / Active
1 br, 1 ba, 900 Sqft

Coming in 2026! The Peninsula of Charleston is an ownership-model, continuing care retirement community (CCRC) on highly desirable upper King Stree... 

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$775,100
Provided courtesy of Peninsula of Charleston R.E.
15 Photos 609 King Street UNIT #647 Charleston, SC 29403

609 King Street UNIT #647
Charleston, SC 29403
Cannonborough-Elliotborough
Residential

MLS# 24012353 / Active
2 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 2050 Sqft

Coming in 2026! The Peninsula of Charleston is an ownership-model, continuing care retirement community (CCRC) on highly desirable upper King Stree... 

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$2,912,300
Provided courtesy of Peninsula of Charleston R.E.
75 Photos 80 Church Street Charleston, SC 29401

80 Church Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential

MLS# 24012333 / Active
4 br, 3 ba, 1 Half Bath, 3300 Sqft

Quintessentially Charleston, exceptionally refined, and ideally located, this charming South of Broad home sits perfectly on the corner of Tradd an... 

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$3,850,000
Provided courtesy of Daniel Ravenel Sotheby's International Realty
49 Photos 62 1/2 Cannon Street Charleston, SC 29403

62 1/2 Cannon Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Cannonborough-Elliotborough
Residential

MLS# 24012317 / Active
6 br, 6 ba, 3450 Sqft

Excellent investment opportunity in legal STR district! Large duplex located in the heart of Charleston's highly sought-after Cannonbourgh Neighbor... 

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$2,390,000
Provided courtesy of Hayden Jennings Properties
21 Photos 14 Lockwood Drive UNIT 1i Charleston, SC 29401

14 Lockwood Drive UNIT 1i
Charleston, SC 29401
Ashley House
Residential

MLS# 24012319 / Active
2 br, 2 ba, 1053 Sqft

Welcome to downtown Charleston living at its finest! Nestled in the historic Ashley House, this charming condo offers the perfect blend of modern c... 

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$299,000
Provided courtesy of Carolina One Real Estate
63 Photos
Open House: Today 11:00am - 1:00pm
54 Gibbes Street Charleston, SC 29401

54 Gibbes Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential

MLS# 24012285 / Active
4 br, 4 ba, 1 Half Bath, 4374 Sqft

Nestled South of Broad on the corner of Gibbes Street and Rutledge Boulevard, this 1910's home offers modern convenience with historic charm and ch... 

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$3,650,000
Provided courtesy of Oyster Point Real Estate Group, LLC
66 Photos 181 Queen Street Charleston, SC 29401

181 Queen Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential

MLS# 24012261 / Active
6 br, 7 ba, 1 Half Bath, 3506 Sqft

Step into a piece of Charleston history; the St. Amand/ Aimar house at 181 Queen Street was built in 1841, the same year the Charleston City Market... 

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$3,329,000
Provided courtesy of The Exchange Company, LLC
17 Photos 254 Saint Philip Street UNIT A Charleston, SC 29403

254 Saint Philip Street UNIT A
Charleston, SC 29403
Cannonborough-Elliotborough
Residential

MLS# 24012205 / Active
5 br, 5 ba, 1652 Sqft

RENOVATED SHORT TERM RENTAL READY FOR OPERATION IN JUNE 2024! Traditional Charleston meets modern design is what you will find in this newly refine... 

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$1,999,000
Provided courtesy of The Boulevard Company, LLC
15 Photos 609 King Street UNIT #704 Charleston, SC 29403

609 King Street UNIT #704
Charleston, SC 29403
Cannonborough-Elliotborough
Residential

MLS# 24012104 / Pending
2 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1467 Sqft

Coming in 2026! The Peninsula of Charleston is an ownership-model, continuing care retirement community (CCRC) on highly desirable upper King Stree... 

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$2,072,000
Provided courtesy of Peninsula of Charleston R.E.
37 Photos
Open House: Today 11:30am - 1:00pm
4 Halsey Street Charleston, SC 29401

4 Halsey Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential

MLS# 24012150 / Active
3 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 2551 Sqft

This lovingly maintained two-story Charleston single-style home in the heart of Harleston Village sits just moments away from Cannon Park. Renovate... 

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$1,650,000
Provided courtesy of Lois Lane Properties
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